Pan's Labyrinth: To what extent is this film a political film? Does this film have a political message?

To what extent is this film a political film?

This film is unique in the sense that it does provide some political context as it depicts the hatred between the communists and the fascists. However it portrays this by intertwining the historical/political genre with the genre of fantasy so the audience sees the political side of the film from Orphelia's perspective, which in turn gives us an insight to how children at the time would feel about each extremist party.  Del Toro, purposely visualises for the audience the sheer brutality and intolerance of fascism, which brings forwards his views about the far left extremists and that communists come across as innocent, less repulsive and peaceful. The film doesn't centralise around the politics of when the film is set but the political context is seen through each individual character. I think if we saw the film from an older character (i.e. Vidal), then we would get a completely different interpretation. But the fact that the film follows Orphelia's story means that the fantasy side of the film is prioritised. However, it can be argued that the reason the film is more fantasised is because it is Orphelia's scapegoat which further highlights the fearfulness of the fascists at the time.

Does this film have a political message?

It is through the various atrocities directed by Vidal throughout the film that the audience is able to grasp on the film's political message. Moreover, Del Toro's political views. The film portrays the devastating actions the fascists took in order to control Spain and annihilate its enemies. This is seen in the torture scenes and the death of the huntsmen. The film's message is to show the audience how devastating and feared the fascists were amongst civilians and that they did not tolerate anything that  they saw as suspicious or a threat.